1. Sun safety and heat stress awareness
UNIVERSITY of
NORTHERN COLORADO
Hydration
Matters!
Sun safety and heat stress awareness

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3. Working Safely in the Sun
Essentials
Fluids
Drink LOTS of water or an electrolyte replacement drink
Bring enough to last you the entire day or continuously refill your container
Sunscreen or sun block
Apply before you arrive at work
Reapply throughout the day
Wear the proper attire
Light colored clothes reflect the sun and help to keep you cool
Covering your skin will better protect against damaging UV light
Wear a hat
Better protects the sensitive skin of your ears, neck and face

4. Sunscreen vs. Sun block Sun block
Sun block is opaque and stronger than sunscreen
Able to block a majority of the UVA/UVB rays and radiation from the sun,
Sun block's ingredients do not break down rapidly in sunlight so it is unnecessary to reapply frequently.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is more transparent once applied to the skin
Also able to protect against UVA/UVB rays
Sunscreen's ingredients break down at a faster rate once exposed to sunlight, allowing radiation to penetrate the skin.
For sunscreen to be more effective frequent reapplication and a higher spf is recommended.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
The SPF of a sunscreen is a laboratory measurement of the effectiveness of sunscreen
The higher the SPF, the more protection a sunscreen offers against UV-B (the ultraviolet radiation that causes a sunburn).

5. What are some signs that
you are suffering from
heat stress?

6. Signs and symptoms Dehydration Thirst
By the time your body tells you that you are thirsty you are already mildly dehydrated. 
Drinking water at this stage can prevent you from progressing to the more serious kinds of heat related illnesses.
Heat cramps:
Cramping in the abdomen, legs or arms
The loss of water and salt from heavy sweating causes cramps. 
These cramps can be mild or very painful.  
Heat exhaustion
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea

7. Signs and symptoms
Heat Stroke or sun stroke
Hot, red and dry skin
Rapid, weak pulse
Rapid, shallow breathing.
Increase in body temperature –can reach as high as 105o F.
Vomiting. 
 Confusion. 
 Throbbing headache. 
 Decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness. 
 Seizures. 
This late stage of a heat-related illness is life threatening. Call or the local emergency number 

8. Stages of Heat-Related Illnesses
First Stage: Dehydration
Easily curable with shade, rest and water
May resume work activities after symptoms subside
Second Stage: Muscle Cramps
Easily curable with rest, massage and water
Third Stage: Heat exhaustion
Moderately easy to cure with shade, rest and water
May or may not be able to resume work
Fourth Stage: Heat Stroke or Sun Stroke
Life threatening-Call immediately
May not resume work

9. for Heat Related Emergencies
How to Care
for Heat Related Emergencies
For Heat Cramps
Stop activity and rest.
If the person is fully awake and alert, have him or her drink small amounts of cool water or a commercial sports drink.
Gently stretch the cramped muscle and hold the stretch for about 20 seconds, then gently massage the muscle.
Repeat these steps if necessary.
If the victim has no other signals of heat-related illness, the person may resume activity after the cramps stop. 

10. for Heat Related Emergencies
How to Care
for Heat Related Emergencies
For Heat Exhaustion:
Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position.
If the person is fully awake and alert, give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
Do not let him or her drink too quickly.
Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.
Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or wet sheets.
Get the person into an air conditioned space if possible.
Call or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness. 

11. How to Care for Heat Related Emergencies
For Heat Stroke:
Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast.
Call 9-1-1immediately
Move the person to a cooler place.
Quickly cool the body using any means available, including cool water and ice.
If you have ice packs or cold packs, wrap them in a cloth and place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels.
Wrap wet cloths around the body and place the person in front of a fan or air conditioner.
Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear.
Keep the person conscious

12. for Heat Related Emergencies
Remember
for Heat Related Emergencies
Cool the Body
Give Fluids
Minimize Shock

13. University of Northern Colorado Environmental Health & Safety
Call for questions or concerns!
“Protect Yourself”